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Wallenberg Syndrome - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments - Oren Zarif - Wallenberg Syndrome

  • Writer: Oren Zarif
    Oren Zarif
  • May 13, 2022
  • 3 min read

While the prognosis for patients with Wallenberg syndrome is generally better than for those with other acute ischemic strokes, it is still possible to suffer from permanent disability. The most common sequela of this condition is gait instability, which makes early physical therapy and occupational therapy vital to post-stroke recovery. Here are some key points to consider. Read on to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for Wallenberg syndrome. Continue reading to learn about the different treatments available.

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Treatment options for patients with Wallenberg Syndrome vary depending on the location of the stroke in the brainstem and the extent of damage. A patient may recover fully after several weeks or months, but others may need longer and may experience permanent disabilities. It is therefore important to discuss the long-term outlook with your doctor and follow the recommended treatment plan. This article explores some of the most common therapies. For example, speech and swallowing therapy may be useful for the patient with the syndrome. Patients may also benefit from VitalStim, a specialized form of neuromuscular electrical stimulation that is administered by occupational therapists and speech and language pathologists.

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Diagnosis of Wallenberg syndrome depends on the presenting symptoms, the patient's history, and radiographic imaging. Damage to the lateral spinothalamic tracts results in sensory deficits in the affected side. Also, infarction of the vestibular nuclei can lead to vomiting and nystagmus. A patient may develop ipsilateral ataxia if an injury to the inferior cerebellar peduncle is present. A patient with this condition should also have a hoarse voice.

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The acute phase of Wallenberg syndrome is characterized by dysphagia. In contrast to hemispheric stroke patients, wallenberg syndrome sufferers tend to have a greater degree of dysphagia. In addition, the patient may require assistance with swallowing or a feeding tube. Because there is no cure for the condition, doctors focus treatment on relieving symptoms. If the stroke is accompanied by a pronounced swallowing difficulty, doctors may prescribe a feeding tube.

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Patients with Wallenberg syndrome may experience jerk-see-saw nystagmus. The jerk-like movements of the eye can be caused by direct or indirect damage to the vestibular system. This syndrome may also result in an ipsilateral head tilt and disconjugate ocular torsion. Patients suffering from this disorder may experience diplopia, eye deviation, and unusual environment tilt. They may also experience ipsipulsion or torsipulsion.

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The most common cause of Wallenberg syndrome is a blocked vertebral artery or the posterior inferior cerebellar artery, resulting in an infarction of the lateral medulla. A stroke in this area can lead to many impairments, including weakness of the face, arm, or leg. The first case of this syndrome was described in 1808 by Gaspard Vieusseux, but a more detailed description was given by Adolf Wallenberg in 1895.

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The symptoms of Wallenberg syndrome are not fully understood. Researchers are trying to find better treatments for this condition. The goal of this research is to find a cure for the disease. A cure for this disorder is important for the patients, and more research is needed. When a person with Wallenberg syndrome develops a symptomatic condition, they may be experiencing vertigo as a result of involvement of the vestibular system. The symptoms may also be associated with nausea or vomiting.

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The central pattern generator for swallowing cannot operate properly at the time of stroke, resulting in severe dysphagia in patients with WS. The opposite side of the swallowing center remains intact. Acute stroke may also result in pharyngeal muscle weakness in WS patients. The duration and severity of dysphagia depend on the extent of the lesion. If the lesion is small, the patient may have a limited intake of water.

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There is evidence that LMI affects premotor neurons in the NA, resulting in unilateral laryngeal muscle dysfunction in WS. This condition has been linked to a lack of neuronal connectivity between the two swallowing centers (NTS and NA).

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